The Buffalo Bills have had a roller-coaster season. They started the year with two losses, then won four straight, went on to lose three in a row, and have now won their last two games. Despite sitting ninth in the AFC standings, and having a record of 6-5, their playoff hopes are still alive. With a small chance to still sneak in, having a very confident and optimistic coach like Rex Ryan is a big plus. After their win on Sunday against the Jaguars, he said: “One thing about us, we’re going to compete all…
Monthly Archives: November, 2016
-
Playoff Hopes
Continue Reading -
Young Dak and Old Brady
Continue ReadingI don’t think there is another area of life where age is talked about as much as in sports. With an emphasis on the age of a certain player or coach, the analysis is usually based around that. Also, NFL teams have a hard time determining whether they’d rather have an older or younger quarterback because a case can be made for both. Dak Prescott is 23 years old and leading the Cowboys to the best record in the NFL, while Tom Brady is 39 and still dominating as the Patriots’ QB. Meanwhile,…
-
The Game of Inches
Continue ReadingSaturday’s rivalry game between Ohio State and Michigan lived up to the hype by going into double-overtime, and OSU dramatically winning 30-27. It was an epic finish with Curtis Samuel running the ball into the end zone on first down, following the controversial 4th downplay. Michigan had a 3-point lead and needed the stop on 4th down, but OSU quarterback J.T. Barrett ran for the first down to set up the winning play. However, there is still debate as to whether or not Barrett actually crossed the first down marker or if…
-
Opened Doors for Harbaugh and Meyer
Continue ReadingIt’s rivalry week in college football, and I can’t wait to watch the amazing matchups! I am especially pumped to see Michigan vs. Ohio State with their longstanding tradition as rivals, and both having so much on the line. As these two teams fight for a spot in the college football playoff, we will not only witness plenty of talented players on the field, but also two head coaches who provide great intrigue. There are interesting backstories to how Urban Meyer ended up at Ohio State and how Jim Harbaugh came to Michigan. Each of these situations involves opened and closed…
-
The Spotlight
Continue ReadingIn a crucial attempt to prove their place in the College Football Playoff, highly ranked Louisville took on Houston last night. Before the game, ESPN writer Andrea Adelson wrote this: “Let there be no doubt: the Cards absolutely must make a big impression with the national spotlight completely on them. They can’t struggle through three quarters the way they did against Wake Forest, Virginia, and Duke. With only Kentucky left after this game, Thursday might be their final chance to make a lasting impression on the committee.” Unfortunately for Louisville, they…
-
Romo’s Remarks
Continue ReadingThe Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback situation with Tony Romo and Dak Prescott has been extremely fascinating to me. Romo has been very important to the Cowboys for many years, but an injury during preseason opened up the door for a rookie quarterback to take his job. Despite the team being 8-1, this hasn’t been an easy scenario for either QB, their teammates, coaches, or ownership. Real emotions, relationships, and tough decisions have all been involved. Romo revealed his feelings and what he’s been going through this season in a transparent and thoughtful press…
-
Tuning Out The Coach
Continue ReadingThe Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Green Bay Packers all have losing records at this point in the season, despite being teams that have regularly made the playoffs in recent years. At the moment, they are on the outside looking in and must turn it around quickly. Each team is looking for answers. I’ve written about the Packers’ lack of energy and the Steelers struggling with discipline and accountability. With these concerns being raised, many people are pointing their fingers at the coaches. Mike Tomlin, Mike McCarthy, and Marvin…
-
Who Has The Best Loss?
Continue ReadingThe college football season took an unexpected turn on Saturday when No.2 ranked Michigan fell to Iowa 14-13, and No. 3 ranked Clemson surprisingly lost to Pittsburgh 43-42. There are still a couple of weeks left in the season, and there is still time for more upsets, but it’s fascinating to consider the playoff scenario at this point. Who will be the four teams to make it in? Alabama remains undefeated, but Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, Louisville, and Washington can each make a case for being included, despite each team having one loss….
-
Roethlisberger Calls Out Team
Continue ReadingThis past week on the UNPACKIN’ it radio show, I interviewed former Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety and 4-time Super Bowl winner, Donnie Shell. He is also joining us on Saturday for the halftime show at the Charlotte Turkey Bowl. Shell was part of the great defense known as the “Steel Curtain,” and played during the days when the Steelers and Cowboys’ rivalry was extremely intense – especially when meeting up twice in the Super Bowl. Yesterday, the passionate rivalry picked back up with the Dallas Cowboys traveling to Pittsburgh. In an exciting finish, the Cowboys…
-
Nick Saban and Election Day
Continue ReadingThis week, we have experienced one of the most anticipated and talked about elections in American history. Most everyone has been expressing an opinion about the polarizing results, and even sports fans like me have put sports talk on hold to take an interest in the presidential election. It turns out, however, there is at least one person who hasn’t been quite as aware of the political craziness. When asked if he wanted to give his thoughts on the election, legendary Alabama head football coach, Nick Saban, made this comment during a press conference on Wednesday: “Well to be…
